Herefordshire octogenarians tie the knot (From Hereford Times)

Herefordshire octogenarians Frederick Hodges and May Merredith tie the knot

7:00am Monday 17th October 2011 in Features By Paul Ferguson

A PAIR of octogenarians from Herefordshire have proved it’s never too late to find love.

Orchard House staged the wedding of the year when residents Frederick Hodges and May Merredith tied the knot.

Love blossomed for the pair, aged 87 and 89, when they met each other at the Withington care home around a year ago.

They are now enjoying their honeymoon period having made their vows before 80 guests in the home’s function room.

May, who was dressed in pink and given away by her son, is a widow and former shop worker from Fownhope.

Her new husband, a former farm worker, is a father-of-six from Much Marcle who named his eldest son as the best man.

Orchard House activity co-ordinator Di Lloyd said the wedding was a happy affair and would probably be a one-off.

She said: “I think it was a gradual thing between them but as far as I’m aware I had no idea that marriage was in the air.

“We had about 70 to 80 family members and staff come to the wedding and it was a really lovely day.

“It was a very happy occasion.

“I don’t think we’ll get any more weddings but I suppose we’re up for anything.”